The 6th Man Has Spirit, What About You?

If you have attended any recent sports events on Lincoln’s campus, you’ll notice that there is a new dynamic to the student section. Next to the band, you will see a sea of orange and blue chanting, jumping, and cheering more than the rest. What sets them apart from the rest of the students? A little something called school spirit.

A newly formed organization on campus, The 6th Man is more than just a section; it represents a change in the game experience on campus. Per the organization’s adviser, Tiffani Brown,

“The 6th Man is [essentially] a spirit campaign designed to shift the overall culture here at Lincoln.”

The organization’s president Kenneth Faulcon, knew that the organization’s introduction to the campus would work best during basketball season. He shared that the name of the organization represents being “extra help on the basketball court.” Faulcon is hopeful that the organization will prosper, seeing as the organization “blew up” and became more popular than he expected. Other members agree, saying that the organization is bringing back what was lacking in school spirit. So far, the campaign has proven successful in its development as an organization and movement.

At the Lincoln University versus Bowie State University game, The 6th Man engulfed a section of the bleachers with non-stop energy, cheering, and support. Anything they said, the crowd repeated; anytime they screamed and cheered, the rest of the audience followed in suit. The members of the organization would also occasionally visit other sections of the bleachers to hype the audience up, teach chants, do the wave, or give out free Lincoln paraphernalia. Students, families, and other visitors were in an uproar for a majority of the game, showcasing the strengths of The 6th Man. But what do non-members have to say about the organization?

Trejha Whitfield, a mass communications major, believes that The 6th Man is good for the campus, a necessity even. Whitfield enjoys that the organization members stay for the entirety of the games they attend even if the team is about to lose. She shares that it shows a dedication to athletes that other students lack as many of them leave once the home team shows any chance of losing. Meanwhile, Taysar Edwards, also a Mass Communications major, shared that he was unaware of the organization but believed the mission of The 6th Man to be worthwhile.

The long-term goal of the organization is to increase the morale on campus and bridge the gaps in the sense of community felt. The organization’s president wants it to be his legacy and hopes that the organization will evolve in years to come.

The Lincolnian is The Lincoln University’s online student newspaper; created to allow students to voice their concerns and opinions, and raise awareness to inform the community. Established in 1854, The Lincoln University has retained recognition as the first degree-granting historically black university, and has continued to be a prestigious institution where being the first matters. Lincoln has been the home of many ‘first’ achievements and notable alumni including Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes and Kwame Nkrumah.